Strapless Guitar Rest

ABSTRACT

A strapless guitar rest includes a main rest shelf, a shelf base, and a grip cover. The main rest shelf provides a curved surface for supporting the curved portion of a guitar, while the shelf base provides a means for anchoring the strapless guitar rest to the user. The main rest shelf is adjacently connected to the shelf base and positioned at an offset angle in relation to the shelf base in order to compensate for displacement of the strapless guitar rest due to torque from the weight of the guitar. The main rest shelf includes a rest pad to further conform to the shape of the guitar and a shelf tab to prevent the guitar from falling off of the main rest shelf. The grip cover encompasses the main rest shelf, providing increased friction between the strapless guitar rest and the guitar.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 62/142,564 filed on Apr. 3, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to guitar accessories. Morespecifically, the present invention is a strapless guitar rest that is asingle piece unit used by a guitar player to support a guitar whileplaying.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most commonly used item to support a guitar while playing,particularly while standing, is a strap that is placed over the shoulderand around the back of the user. The strap is attached to the guitar atboth ends by a pair of strap buttons on the guitar. Such a setup resultsin the weight of the guitar being supported by the back and shoulders ofthe user. This can result is back and shoulder fatigue, especially whenplaying for extended periods of time, and is not ideal for individualswith back or shoulder problems. Furthermore, conventional guitar strapscan be problematic in allowing the user to quickly set down the guitar.For example, a guitarist often has to change instruments during a songor performance and can often get tangled in conventional guitar strapswhen trying to quickly change instruments. For the amateur, it can bedifficult to quickly set down the guitar in order to answer the phone,answer the door, adjust amplifiers or other equipment, etc. and thenquickly pick the guitar back up and resume playing.

Therefore it is the object of the present invention to provide astrapless guitar rest that allows a user to quickly pickup and set downa guitar. The present invention provides a main rest shelf forsupporting the guitar and a shelf base that is positioned into thepants, pocket, belt, etc. of the user. The main rest shelf has a curvedsurface on which the user can position the curved portion of the guitarin order to fully support the guitar. The placement of the presentinvention about the pants, pocket, or belt of the user alleviates stressto the shoulders and back of the user, allowing for a more comfortableplaying experience. Additionally, as no straps are needed, the guitarcan easily and quickly be placed on or removed from the main rest shelf.While the present invention provides a means for supporting the guitarwithout a strap, the present invention can also be used in conjunctionwith a strap in order to more evenly distribute the weight of the guitarthroughout the entirety of the user's body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the mainrest shelf is curved downwards.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein themain rest shelf is curved downwards.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the present invention,wherein the main rest shelf is curved downwards.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the present invention, wherein themain rest shelf is curved downwards.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the gripcover is encompassing the main rest shelf.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein the mainrest shelf is curved upwards.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the present invention, wherein themain rest shelf is curved upwards.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the present invention,wherein the main rest shelf is curved upwards.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, wherein a guitar is rested upon thepresent invention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a strapless guitar rest for supporting a guitarbody. The strapless guitar rest is positioned within the pants, pockets,belt, etc. of a user, and provides a curved surface on which the guitarbody can be rested. In reference to FIG. 5, the present inventioncomprises a main rest shelf 1, a shelf base 2, and a grip cover 3. Theshelf base 2 is the portion of the present invention that is positionedwithin the pants, pockets, or belt of the user, while the main restshelf 1 supports the guitar body. The grip cover 3 encompasses the mainrest shelf 1 and provides a layer to protect the guitar body from beingscratched, as well as increases the friction between the guitar body andthe present invention to prevent the guitar body from slipping off.

In reference to FIG. 3, the shelf base 2 is a flat, elongated memberthat is used to anchor the present invention to the user. The shelf base2 comprises a proximal end 21 and a distal end 22; the proximal end 21and the distal end 22 are positioned opposite each other along the shelfbase 2. The main rest shelf 1 is adjacently connected to the shelf base2 and is positioned adjacent to the proximal end 21. The distal end 22is positioned into the pants, pocket, or belt of the user, while theproximal end 21 and the main shelf rest protrude upwards, above thepants, pocket, or belt. When weight is applied to the main rest shelf 1(i.e. the guitar body is positioned on the main rest shelf 1), theresulting torque presses the distal end 22 in against the user's leg,preventing the main rest shelf 1 from tilting forward and causing theguitar body to fall off. The main rest shelf 1 is supported by the edgeof the user's pants, pocket, or belt, preventing the main rest shelf 1from moving downwards.

In reference to FIG. 3-4, the shelf base 2 further comprises a under pad23. The under pad 23 is positioned adjacent to the distal end 22 and ispositioned opposite the main rest shelf 1 about the shelf base 2. Inthis way, the under pad 23 is positioned adjacent to the user's leg whenthe distal end 22 of the shelf base 2 is positioned into the pants,pocket, or belt of the user; the under pad 23 is directed towards theuser's body, while the main rest shelf 1 is directed away from theuser's body. The under pad 23 helps to prevent the shelf base 2 fromsagging while the guitar body is positioned on the main rest shelf 1.Additionally, the under pad 23 provides a comfortable surface for whenpressure is placed on the user's body through the weight of the guitaron the main rest shelf 1. The under pad 23 prevents the distal end 22from digging into the leg of the user, creating a buffer between theshelf base 2 and the leg of the user.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the under pad 23is constructed from layered soft felt and covered in a layer of leather.This provides a soft pliable body for comfort, while also increasing thefriction between the shelf base 2 and the user's leg. It is alsopossible for the under pad 23 to be constructed from any other type ofmaterials in other embodiments of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1-2, the main rest shelf 1 is a curved structurethat is used to support the guitar body and comprises a first surface11, a second surface 12, a first terminal end 13, a second terminal end14, a rest pad 15, and a shelf tab 16. The first terminal end 13 and thesecond terminal end 14 are positioned opposite each other along the mainrest shelf 1, while the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 arepositioned opposite each other about the main rest shelf 1. The firstsurface 11 is concavely contoured from the first terminal end 13 to thesecond terminal end 14, while the second surface 12 is convexlycontoured from the first terminal end 13 to the second terminal end 14.Furthermore, the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 areconcentric. Resultantly, the main rest shelf 1 is a thin, curved memberthat is mounted to the shelf base 2.

The main rest shelf 1 can be oriented in two different ways in relationto the shelf base 2. The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 canbe curved towards the distal end 22 of the shelf base 2 as shown in FIG.1-2, or curved away from the distal end 22 of the shelf base 2 as shownin FIG. 6-7. The orientation of the main rest shelf 1 is dependent onthe desired location of support for the guitar body. If the main restshelf 1 is curved downwards, then the present invention is designed tosupport the guitar body in between the upper bout and the lower bout ofthe guitar, as depicted in FIG. 9. If the main rest shelf 1 is curvedupwards, then the present invention is designed to support the guitarbody by either the upper bout or the lower bout.

The rest pad 15 provides a cushioned support that allows the presentinvention to conform to various guitar shapes. Not all guitars have thesame body shape, and as such the curvature of the main rest shelf 1 maynot precisely match the curvature of every guitar. The rest pad 15provides a pliable material that is able to conform to the shape of theguitar in order to adequately support guitars having differentcurvatures. Furthermore, the rest pad 15 can be reshaped allowing thepresent invention to constantly be reused with different guitars.Preferably the rest pad 15 is a thin gel pack or a piece of memory foam,however, it is possible for the rest pad 15 to be constructed from anyother material(s) having similar properties.

The rest pad 15 is positioned on either the first surface 11 or thesecond surface 12, depending on the curvature of the main rest shelf 1.If the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are curved towards thedistal end 22 (i.e. downwards), then the rest pad 15 is positioned onthe first surface 11 as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the rest pad 15 ispositioned on the top of the main rest shelf 1. If the first surface 11and the second surface 12 are curved away from the distal end 22 (i.e.upwards), then the rest pad 15 is positioned on the second surface 12 asshown in FIG. 6, wherein the rest pad 15 is positioned on the top of themain rest shelf 1. In essence, the rest pad 15 is positioned about themain rest shelf 1 opposite the distal end 22, no matter the curvature ofthe main rest shelf 1.

The shelf tab 16 is used to further secure the guitar body on the mainrest shelf 1, preventing the guitar body from sliding away from theuser's body and off of the main rest shelf 1. In reference to FIG. 1,the shelf tab 16 is an extrusion that is positioned in between the firstterminal end 13 and the second terminal end 14; preferably centrallyalong the main rest shelf 1. Furthermore, the shelf tab 16 is positionedacross the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 opposite the shelfbase 2, wherein the rest pad 15 is positioned in between the shelf tab16 and the shelf base 2. The shelf tab 16 extends upwards, away from thedistal end 22 of the shelf base 2 in order to prevent the guitar bodyfrom sliding forward, off of the present invention.

Additionally, the main rest shelf 1 is positioned at an offset angle 4in relation to the shelf base 2. In reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, theoffset angle 4 is an obtuse angle, wherein the main rest shelf 1 isangles upwards when the present invention is positioned within thepants, pocket, or belt of the user. The offset angle 4 compensates forthe displacement of the present invention when the guitar body ispositioned on the main rest shelf 1. When the guitar body is placed onthe main rest shelf 1, the weight of the guitar produces torque on thepresent invention, wherein the main rest shelf 1 is displaced away fromthe user. If the main rest shelf 1 was oriented perpendicular or at anacute angle in relation to the shelf base 2, then the main rest shelf 1would be angled downwards due to the weight of the guitar, allowing theguitar to easily slide off. Therefore, it is the object of the offsetangle 4 to compensate for the downward displacement of the main restshelf 1, allowing the main rest shelf 1 to remain perpendicular or at anupwards angle in relation to the user's body when under the weight ofthe guitar.

In reference to FIG. 5, the grip cover 3 is bonded to and encompassesthe main rest shelf 1, providing a surface that protects the guitar bodyfrom being scratched and increases the friction between the guitar bodyand the present invention to prevent the guitar body from slipping. Thegrip cover 3 may fully or partially encompass the main rest shelf 1depending on the embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, thegrip cover 3 is form fitting, while allowing the rest pad 15 enoughflexibility to conform to guitar curve contact points. Preferably thegrip cover 3 is a leather or pleather material, however, it is possiblefor any other type of material to be used for the grip cover 3.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the main restshelf 1 is hingedly connected to the shelf base 2, wherein the main restshelf 1 can be folded in order to offer a more compact state. Thisallows the present invention to be more readily stored or transportedwhen not in use. The main rest shelf 1 should be made to fold towardsthe proximal end 21 of the shelf base 2, such that the main rest shelf 1is capable of supporting the weight of the guitar body when unfolded.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

1. A strapless guitar rest comprises: a main rest shelf; a shelf base;the main rest shelf comprises a first surface, a second surface, a firstterminal end, and a second terminal end; the shelf base comprises aproximal end and a distal end; the proximal end and the distal end beingpositioned opposite each other along the shelf base; the first terminalend and the second terminal end being positioned opposite each otheralong the main rest shelf; the first surface being convexly contouredfrom the first terminal end to the second terminal end; the secondsurface being concavely contoured from the first terminal end to thesecond terminal end; the first surface and the second surface beingconcentric; the main rest shelf being adjacently connected to the shelfbase; the main rest shelf being positioned adjacent to the proximal end;a grip cover; the grip cover encompassing the main rest shelf; the shelfbase comprises a under pad; the under pad being positioned adjacent tothe distal end; the under pad being positioned opposite the main restshelf about the shelf base; and the main rest shelf being positioned atan offset angle in relation to the shelf base.
 2. The strapless guitarrest as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first surface and the secondsurface being curved towards the distal end.
 3. The strapless guitarrest as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first surface and the secondsurface being curved away from the distal end.
 4. (canceled) 5.(canceled)
 6. The strapless guitar rest as claimed in claim 1 comprises:the main rest shelf comprises a rest pad; the rest pad being positionedon the first surface; and the first surface being curved towards thedistal end.
 7. The strapless guitar rest as claimed in claim 1comprises: the main rest shelf comprises a rest pad; the rest pad beingpositioned on the second surface; and the second surface being curvedaway from the distal end.
 8. The strapless guitar rest as claimed inclaim 1 comprises: the main rest shelf comprises a shelf tab; the shelftab being positioned across the first surface and the second surfaceopposite the shelf base; and the shelf tab being positioned in betweenthe first terminal end and the second terminal end.
 9. (canceled)
 10. Astrapless guitar rest comprises: a main rest shelf; a shelf base; themain rest shelf comprises a first surface, a first terminal end, and asecond terminal end; the shelf base comprises a proximal end and adistal end; the proximal end and the distal end being positionedopposite each other along the shelf base; the first terminal end and thesecond terminal end being positioned opposite each other along the mainrest shelf; the first surface being convexly contoured from the firstterminal end to the second terminal end; the first surface being curvedtowards the distal end; the main rest shelf being adjacently connectedto the shelf base; the main rest shelf being positioned at an offsetangle in relation to the shelf base; the main rest shelf beingpositioned adjacent to the proximal end; a grip cover; and the gripcover encompassing the main rest shelf.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The straplessguitar rest as claimed in claim 10 comprises: the shelf base comprises aunder pad; the under pad being positioned adjacent to the distal end;and the under pad being positioned opposite the main rest shelf aboutthe shelf base.
 13. The strapless guitar rest as claimed in claim 10comprises: the main rest shelf comprises a rest pad; and the rest padbeing positioned on the first surface.
 14. The strapless guitar rest asclaimed in claim 10 comprises: the main rest shelf comprises a shelftab; the shelf tab being positioned across the first surface oppositethe shelf base; and the shelf tab being positioned in between the firstterminal end and the second terminal end.
 15. A strapless guitar restcomprises: a main rest shelf; a shelf base; the main rest shelfcomprises a second surface, a first terminal end, and a second terminalend; the shelf base comprises a proximal end and a distal end; theproximal end and the distal end being positioned opposite each otheralong the shelf base; the first terminal end and the second terminal endbeing positioned opposite each other along the main rest shelf; thesecond surface being concavely contoured from the first terminal end tothe second terminal end; the second surface being curved away from thedistal end; the main rest shelf being adjacently connected to the shelfbase; the main rest shelf being positioned at an offset angle inrelation to the shelf base; the main rest shelf being positionedadjacent to the proximal end; the main rest shelf comprises a shelf tab;the shelf tab being positioned across the second surface opposite theshelf base; and the shelf tab being positioned in between the firstterminal end and the second terminal end.
 16. The strapless guitar restas claimed in claim 15 comprises: a grip cover; and the grip coverencompassing the main rest shelf.
 17. The strapless guitar rest asclaimed in claim 15 comprises: the shelf base comprises a under pad; theunder pad being positioned adjacent to the distal end; and the under padbeing positioned opposite the main rest shelf about the shelf base. 18.The strapless guitar rest as claimed in claim 15 comprises: the mainrest shelf comprises a rest pad; and the rest pad being positioned onthe second surface.
 19. (canceled)